What Is A Sewer Line?
For homes that are connected to a sewer system, there is a sewer line that connects between your home’s drains and the main sewer drain. This line can be found under the ground of your yard and is a part of your plumbing system, making it your responsibility to maintain and repair as necessary. Sewer lines are typically four to six inches in around and sloped downwards to allow the flow of water to go away from your home and into your city’s sewer.
You should have your plumbing inspected on a regular basis to ensure you are catching the earliest warning signs of a sewer line problem and minimize the impact of the issue. The team at AAA Select Plumbing provides the best sewer line repair and replacement services in Houston and surrounding areas. Contact our customer service today to learn more about scheduling a sewer line inspection and to solve the problem with your plumbing system quickly.
Causes of Sewer Line Damage
From clogged pipes to normal wear and tear, here are a few causes of sewer line damage.
Tree Roots
One of the most common causes of sewer line damage is tree roots. A tree’s roots follow sources of water as they grow. Since sewer lines carry liquid waste, roots are naturally attracted to the source—particularly when there is already a small leak in the piping.
Once in contact with a sewer pipe, tree roots begin to wrap around and break into pipes, clogging, weakening, and even breaking the structure. Clay sewer pipes, typically found in older homes, are the most susceptible to damage from tree roots.
Corroded Pipes
Although pipes made of steel and cast iron are galvanized to prevent rusting, these pipes are at a high risk of corroding due to calcium and magnesium build-up from regular wear and tear. If corrosion is left untreated, it can leave the pipe susceptible to leaks and cracks.
Clogged Pipes Due to Debris and Foreign Objects
Your home’s sewage lines are only equipped to handle human waste and toilet paper. Avoid flushing trash like wrappers and paper towels, as they’re unable to properly disintegrate and can cause blockages that drain cleaning agents can’t fix. In the kitchen, cooking oil and grease can also clog pipes if they’re poured into the sink. Pour these liquids into a container, let them cool, and then dispose of them in a trash can.
Extreme Temperatures
During extreme temperature and cold weather, frozen pipes can bust as a result of the expanding ice. However, it’s not just cold weather that can cause pipes to rupture—though unlikely, extreme heat can burst pipes, too.
Signs of Sewer Line Damage
To prevent further damage, it’s important to know the signs of a damaged sewer system so that you can take immediate action and contact an experienced service technician.
Flooded or Foul-Smelling Yard
A yard that’s flooded can be a sign of a broken sewer pipe. Sewer lines can be buried anywhere between a couple of feet to six feet below the ground, with colder climates calling for deeper pipes. For sewer lines close to the surface, a broken pipe can quickly begin to pool water which seeps through the grass and becomes visible on the surface. You may be able to smell the sewage before it surfaces, as sewage gas can seep through your yard’s soil.
Draining Difficulties
While some blockages are caused by a pipe leading directly from a faucet or shower, you can detect a blockage in the main sewage line if multiple draining areas in the home are clogging. Toilets can warn of severe blockages if strange gurgling sounds occur when air gets pushed back up the line.
Water Damage in the Home
Water damage can occur if a drain line leaks or breaks in the home. One of the first signs is mold spreading on the floors or walls. This could point to a broken sewer line within the home, in which case you should call a plumbing service immediately.
Affordable Plumbing Repair in Houston, Texas
AAA Select Plumbing is here to help home and business owners get the most out of their plumbing. From simple plumbing repairs to full-blown plumbing remodels, our team of dedicated plumbing professionals is here to help you find the best plumbing solutions for your unique space. We proudly serve the Greater Houston area, including but not limited to Aldine, Atascocita, Channelview, Cloverleaf, Fall Creek, Generation Park, Greenspoint, Humble, Kingwood, and Lakeshore. When you are looking for the most reliable and affordable commercial and residential plumbing services in Houston, contact AAA Select Plumbing today!
AAA Select Plumbing Services
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